Piquet Jr set for shock Pau debut with Carlin

Nelson Piquet Jr is set to make a shock return to Formula 3 at this weekend’s Pau Grand Prix after signing a one-weekend deal with Carlin.

The first ever FIA Formula E Champion and 2004 British Formula 3 champion will line-up alongside Alessio Lorandi, Ryan Tveter and Zhi Cong Li around the legendary street circuit, looking to gain more street circuit single seater experience that will benefit him in Formula E.

Piquet Jr returns to the Carlin outfit having competed for them in a one-off appearance in the Indy Lights championship in Toronto in 2015, where he took two top-eight finishes.

“I’m really excited to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 3 car, which holds so many great memories for me,” said Piquet Jr. “I had a great time working with Carlin in the Indy Lights car in Toronto last year, and I’m happy to help the team again this weekend in Pau.

“Any experience gained on street circuits is beneficial for my Formula E campaign and I relish the challenge of adapting to another category this season.”

Piquet Jr’s arrival means he will be competing against his younger half-brother Pedro Piquet, who races for Van Amersfoort Racing.